AQW 47641/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 02/06/2026
Answered On Date: 19/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether any consideration is being given to providing additional funding to domiciliary care providers to cover staff travel time between calls.

Answer:

I recognise the vital role that homecare staff play in supporting people to live independently, and that travel time between calls is a key part of their working day. However, given the significant financial constraints my Department is currently facing, and in the absence of an agreed budget, I am not in a position to provide additional funding specifically for this purpose.

The homecare tariff is primarily based on direct labour costs, with allowance for overheads. I have approved interim 2026/27 uplifts to support independent sector social care providers with a range of cost pressures. My Department continues to engage with the sector, including through the Fair Work Forum, to consider wider improvements to terms and conditions and the long-term sustainability of social care.